Senior dance performance and English major Natalia Perea will showcase her photography exhibition on the passionate flamenco dance culture in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain in a gallery opening event on Thursday, April 9th, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Doolin Gallery.

This exhibition, made possible through an Engaged Learning Grant and a Meadows Exploration Award, will feature original photographs by Natalia’s sister, Amaya Perea, and is curated by Natalia Perea.

José Cortes Fernandez, a famous flamenco cantador (singer), will perform during the duration of Perea’s exhibition and in addition to Thursday’s event, the gallery will be open Friday, April 10th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This multifaceted exhibition was birthed out of Perea’s passion for flamenco as well as a long journey of travelling and studying.

Perea spent several weeks in Jerez before traveling to her four-month-long study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. In her final project, Perea knew that she wanted to combine her love for language, writing, community and dance.

“It’s hard to take back essence,” Perea said. “But I wanted to bring back the essence of flamenco as I see it is and integrate that into a performance and event.”

At Thursday’s event, attendants can expect live music and photographs from Perea’s trip.

“What’s interesting is that flamenco has the lyrics, the dance, and the toque (music),” Perea said. “In the exhibition, all these art forms come together, but they are really part of the same one.”

For more information, visit Nataliaperea.com and Amaya Perea Photography.